I AM the Root and the Offspring of David,

and the Bright and Morning Star

22: 16

JesusHimself affirms that it was
He who
sent the angel to
John to reveal everything found in the book of Revelation, so that
John could
deliver it to the churches in Asia Minor. It is the same
Jesus who, in His
humanity, is the root and the offspring of David; but to
His deity, He is the
Shechinah glory, as seen in the brightness and visibility of the light of the
morning star.525

There are many beautiful symbols associated with Judaism, but perhaps the most
recognizable one today is the Star of David. It might surprise many people,
however, to realize the star, as a strictly Jewish symbol, is a rather modern
development. To look at the origins of the Star of David is to take a look into
a diverse and interesting history.

The earliest apparent mention of this symbol is found in the Talmud, the written
form of the Oral Law (see my commentary on
The Life of Christ Ei – The Oral Law), and it’s rabbinic commentary.
In describing the reign of King Solomon, the
mention is made of how he had power over demonic forces by the emblem on his
ring known as the “Seal of Solomon” (Gittin 68). Although the specific design of
this seal is not described in this passage, it is also called the “Shield of
David” (Magen David) because according to later tradition this also appeared on
King David’s battle gear. The first concrete evidence in archaeology was found
in the city of Sidon. This consisted of a ring with a seal on it in the shape of
a six-pointed star, which was dated from the seventh century BCE. For those who
have been to Israel, you will remember the famous six-pointed
star on the
synagogue of Capernaum. This structure has been dated from the second century CE
but it is believed to be directly over the site of an earlier synagogue, the one
likely used by Jesus, or Yeshua Himself (Luke 4:31-37).

For the centuries to follow, the Star of David diversified beyond the Jewish
community, with traces being found in Muslim and Christian circles as well. In
the year 1190 CE, the hexagram was adapted by Christian groups in Spain as a
notary for documents. Of course, the Jewish community continued to use
the star,
as is noted by the King of Prague, as the symbol for a Jewish flag in 1354. The
Encyclopedia Judaica makes an interesting note that the symbol seems to have
been especially used among the earlier “Judeo-Christians”, in other words,
Messianic Jews! (See Encyclopedia Judaica article on Magen David).

By the middle ages, the Star of David seems to have taken on a more focused
emphasis. The Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) expanded the concept of
the star from
being merely the “Magen David”, or the shield
of David, to “the shield of the
Son of David”; namely, the Christ, or the
Messiah Himself!
Of course, according to traditional Judaism, there
would be no greater warrior and deliver than the Messiah, so this interpretation is a very logical progression.

The Jewish star basically fell into disuse again until the rise of modern
Zionism in the nineteenth century. At that time it was revived as a particularly
Jewish symbol to identify the faith and political aspirations of our people. On
the dark side, the satanic movement of Nazism turned the symbol into a mark of
persecution as Jews were forced to wear the yellow star, millions dying in the
process. One might think that the star as a Jewish symbol would be tarnished
forever, but despite the horrific disaster, I believe God’s justice has won out.
Hitler and his evil kingdom was brought down, but the star of David
today graces
the flag of the modern state of Isra'el. No wonder the Star of David has become
the most cherished symbol of Jews today.

Besides this distinctive history of the shield of
David, messianic Jews also see
an important spiritual truth associated with it. We would agree with those in
rabbinic tradition who saw some kind of “messianic” connection with this
particular symbol. After all, the Torah says that the great deliverer of Israel,
the Messiah, will have some association with a star. As Balaam predicted
concerning the future salvation of the Jewish people: I see Him, but not now; I
behold Him, but not near; a star shall come forth from Jacob, and a scepter
shall rise from Isra'el, and shall crush through the forehead of Moab, and tear
down all the sons of Sheth (Numbers 24:17).

That this verse was interpreted in a messianic way is clear from the events of
the last Roman revolt (132-135 CE). There was a famous Jewish military leader
named Bar Kozba who was leading the Jewish rebels in a last ditch effort.
Somehow, it became apparent to the leading Rabbi of the day, Rabbi Akiva, that
this Bar Kozba must be the long awaited Messiah. The
rabbi was so convinced that he publicly called upon the Jews to accept him as
the fulfillment of the promise of Numbers 24, even
giving the General a new name; Bar Cochba (Son of
the Star)!
Sadly, this was proven to be a false hope as tens of thousands of Jews perished
under the Roman sword.

We honestly can’t blame Rabbi Akiva for wanting the messianic redemption in his
day, or even looking for this person in connection with the star. What is
unfortunate is that the Rabbi along with many other Jews may have missed the
true messianic redemption and the star just a few years earlier:
I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony
for the churches. I am, Shoresh, the Root and the Offspring of David, and the
bright Morning Star (22:16).

Just as the roots of a tree provide stability, nourishment, and a firm
foundation for growth, our Messiah, the Root of David, provides all this and
more in our lives (His Names Are Wonderful, by Elizabeth Vander Meulen and
Barbara Malda, Messianic Jewish Publishers, 2005, page 43).

Indeed, a star has arisen from
David who has fulfilled the first part of that
redemptive plan and who will complete God’s plan at His glorious return to
Jerusalem. No wonder the symbol of the star of David is especially precious to
those Jews and Gentiles alike, who have acknowledged Jesus of Nazareth as that
promised One!526